Lao benzointree

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• Lao benzointree
• Siam benzoin
• Siam benzointree

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Anthostyrax tonkinensis
• Styrax subniveus
• Styrax macrothyrsus
• Styrax hypoglaucus

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. It is further classified within the order Ericales and the family Styracaceae. Ultimately, its specific taxonomic identity is defined by its placement in the genus Styrax.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad geographical distribution across parts of Asia. Within China, it can be found specifically in the South-Central and Southeast regions. Its range extends further into the Indo-China peninsula. In this area, the species is documented in Cambodia and Laos. Additionally, the plant is commonly distributed throughout Thailand.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Styrax tonkinensis is defined by its broad altitudinal distribution across diverse montane landscapes, allowing it to inhabit a wide variety of environmental gradients. This species is found at elevations ranging from a minimum of 100 m AMSL to a maximum of 2000 m AMSL, demonstrating significant ecological plasticity. On average, the plant thrives at a mean elevation of 1050 m AMSL, a range that typically corresponds to specific moisture regimes and temperature profiles characteristic of mid-elevation forest ecosystems. This vertical spread suggests an ability to adapt to varying levels of atmospheric pressure, UV exposure, and precipitation patterns found throughout its topographical range.

Elevational range max:

2000 m AMSL

Elevational range mean:

1050 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

100 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Styrax tonkinensis is characterized by its status as a perennial plant, allowing it to persist through multiple growing seasons. In terms of its structural development and survival strategy, it is classified as a phanerophyte, specifically exhibiting both phanerophyte and nanophanerophyte growth forms, which indicates that its perennating buds are elevated above the ground level on woody stems or branches.

Life form :

phanerophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Styrax tonkinenensis is characterized by its stature as a woody tree, reaching a mean height of approximately 20 m. Regarding its structural habit, the plant exhibits a self-supporting growth form, distinguishing it from climbing species such as lianas or vines. As a strictly woody organism, it maintains a robust, tree-like architecture throughout its development.

Climber :

self-supporting

Growth form :

tree

Plant height mean:

20 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Styrax tonkinensis is characterized by distinct structural and metabolic profiles that influence its growth and resource management. A key component of its structural physiology is its wood density, with a stem specific density (SSD) measured at a mean of 550 mg/cm³, reflecting the cellular compaction and mechanical strength of its vascular tissues. In terms of nutrient cycling and symbiotic metabolic processes, the species does not function as a nitrogen fixer, meaning it relies on soil-available nitrogen through root uptake rather than through symbiotic associations with diazotrophic bacteria.

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Stem specific density (SSD) mean:

550 mg/cm³

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Styrax tonkinensis has 10 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include CINNAMIC ACID, Cinnamyl benzoate, Cinnamyl cinnamate, Coniferyl benzoate, OLEANOLIC ACID.

CINNAMIC ACID

1. Dr. Duke

Cinnamyl benzoate

1. Dr. Duke

Cinnamyl cinnamate

1. Dr. Duke

Coniferyl benzoate

1. Dr. Duke

OLEANOLIC ACID

1. Journal of natural products

Siaresinolic acid

1. Journal of natural products

Sumaresinolic acid

1. Journal of natural products

benzoic acid

1. Dr. Duke

resin

1. Dr. Duke

vanillin

1. Dr. Duke

Activities

Styrax tonkinensis has 49 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Aldose-Reductase-Inhibitor, Allelochemic, Allergenic, Anesthetic, Antianemic.

Aldose-Reductase-Inhibitor

1. Dr. Duke

Allelochemic

1. Dr. Duke

Allergenic

1. Dr. Duke

Anesthetic

1. Dr. Duke

Antianemic

1. Dr. Duke

Antibacterial

1. Dr. Duke

Anticancer

1. Dr. Duke

Antidrepanocytic

1. Dr. Duke

Antiescherichic

1. Dr. Duke

Antiinflammatory

1. Dr. Duke

Preparations

Styrax tonkinensis has 1 reported preparations identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include resin.

Resin

1. Journal of natural products